Build cultural bridges to counter propaganda | Letters

Natalie Nougayrede is right to highlight the risks of propaganda (In an age of lies and distortion, self-defence is essential, 31 January). Technology enables the lightning fast circulation of narratives and as a result international public opinion can be increasingly volatile. Propaganda and “fake news” present real risks to our values and stoke divisions within and between countries. Educating people to spot the wheat of truth from the chaff of lies becomes ever more important.

But this is not sufficient. The best way to call the bluff of misleading propaganda is to build strong trusting relationships. In the digital age, face-to-face contact becomes more important. It can be essential in sustaining respectful and peaceful ties with other countries against a headwind of misinformation and attempts to divide.